Om

¹ American  

[awm] / ɔm /

Also Aum

noun

Hinduism.

1. a mantric word thought to be a complete expression of Brahman and interpreted as having three sounds representing Brahma or creation, Vishnu or preservation, and Siva or destruction, or as consisting of the same three sounds, representing waking, dreams, and deep sleep, along with the following silence, which is fulfillment.

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Om. ² American  

abbreviation

1. Ostmark.

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O.M. ³ American  

abbreviation

British.

1. Order of Merit.

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OM ¹ British  

abbreviation

1. Order of Merit (a Brit title)

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symbol

1. currency (the former) Ostmark

Om ² British  

/ əʊm /

noun

1. Hinduism a sacred syllable typifying the three gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva, who are concerned in the threefold operation of integration, maintenance, and disintegration

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OM ³ British  

abbreviation

1. Oman (international car registration)

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om ⁴ British  

abbreviation

1. Oman

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Etymology

Origin of Om

Borrowed into English from Sanskrit around 1780–90

Example Sentences

"They were arrested this morning and the process will move forward according to the law," Kathmandu Valley police spokesman Om Adhikari told newswire Agence France-Presse.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

In Egypt, which increased the cost of fuels by up to 30 percent, mother-of-six Om Mohamed fretted about the future.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

Om is said to be the mantra describing the sound of the universe.

From Salon • Sep. 12, 2024

"I'm facing breathing trouble. It feels like something is stuck in my throat," said resident Om Prakash Singh.

From Reuters • Oct. 30, 2023

I shut my eyes, got into that same position, and tried to think only: Om.

From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English